INTERNAL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY VIA MYSELF
This vacancy is internal and open to applications from employees of North Lanarkshire Council and Associated Employers* only. The "Apply now" button is not activated for this role. Please log into your MySelf account for further instructions on how to apply as an internal candidate.
*Fusion Assets, NLP LLP
NLC14 - £53, - £59, per year
North Lanarkshire Council, as one of Scotland’s largest local authorities, is leading an exciting and ambitious regeneration programme for its town centres and surrounding areas as part of its plans for inclusive economic growth. Creating modern, vibrant communities where people live, learn, work, invest and visit – is North Lanarkshire’s shared ambition for the future, as we aim to enhance the lives of people living and working here.
To enable our ambition, the Council spends circa £m per annum on required supplies, services and works from external partners. The Councils Corporate Procurement Team play an instrumental role in procuring requirements whilst enabling best practice and delivering best value.
The Council has adopted a category management approach to ensure that it procures its goods, services and works in a cost effective and efficient manner. Category managers are crucial to the success of this approach by sharing responsibilities across the key categories of spend (i.e. Works, Services to People, Services to the Business, Supplies to the Business, and IT). Each category of spend will comprise a substantial number of contracts already established and a schedule of procurements to be undertaken to establish new and replacement contracts. As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for assisting in the preparation, implementation and review of the council’s Procurement Strategy and procurement policies and procedures and also delivering and ensuring best procurement practice across the council in a manner consistent with the council’s Procurement Strategy and the ‘Review of Public Procurement in Scotland’.
You will be joining a Procurement Team which strives for excellence in service. You must hold a degree or equivalent level qualification in a relevant discipline and Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (“MCIPS”) would be advantageous.
You must have excellent knowledge of procurement legislation, standards, procedures and best practice techniques relevant to local government. Coupled with a proven track record and extensive experience (minimum of 5 years) and be able to demonstrate your roles in tendering and contracting activity for high value/high risk requirements (preferably Public Procurement undertaken in accordance with the regulations), including tender administration, tender evaluation, supplier negotiations and contract award.
You are expected to take a lead role in the delivery of procurement and commercial best practice, providing mentoring, advice, and guidance on best strategic options within the prevailing legislative frameworks. Additionally, you will have experience in the implementation and operation of electronic procurement solutions, e.g. Public Contracts Scotland, PCS-Tender and PECOS. You will ensure that Council’s requirements are legitimately sourced, utilising sound contractual and commercial arrangements which recognise and mitigate risk, in particular legal risks.
You will have experience of developing and maintaining effective cross-sector partnership working and have the ability to contribute to the wider development of the procurement function across the Council. Supervisory experience is also essential for the role.
You will also fully support the Category Manager in leading and managing the procurement of all third-party goods and services within the commodity area to ensure that all aspects of procurement and supplier management within that category is carried out in a capable, thorough, and professional manner to achieve business targets and to realise best value for money.
You will apply a professional approach to the implementation of those policies throughout the procurement process.
We currently operate a hybrid model of working. Accordingly, you will work a minimum of 10 days over 20 at the teams office base at the Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell, ML1 1AB, with the balance being from your home location.
Working Pattern – 35 Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8:45am - 4:45pm (including a 55-minute unpaid break) and,
Friday: 8:45am - 4:15pm (including a 50-minute unpaid break)
Working here at North Lanarkshire Council
If you’re considering a career with us, you’ll be keen to know what’s in it for you. We have a great package of benefits available, from health and wellbeing to finances and family. This includes 27 days annual leave and 6 public holidays*, and a wide range of benefits available to you, find out more at work well NL. We also have a full package of learning and development through our learning academy LearnNL to help you reach your full potential and further your career.